Pcc: Naturalist Crew Member

Join to apply for the PCC: NATURALIST CREW MEMBER role at Ameri Corps

As a Polk County Conservation Ameri Corps Naturalist, you’ll join a statewide service network delivering environmental education and outdoor experiences to Iowa youth. Naturalists assist full-time staff with youth programming, behavior management, and fostering positive connections to nature. Using research-based curricula in STEM, outdoor recreation, environmental education, and outdoor living skills, members help create hands-on, engaging learning experiences that inspire community members and strengthen their relationship with the outdoors.

Programs are delivered throughout Polk County Conservation parks with regular community interaction. Two Quarter-Time Naturalists will serve with Polk County Conservation as part of the Polk County Conservation Ameri Corps Program. Members build leadership skills, gain professional experience, earn a $6,270 living stipend (paid over the 450-hour term), and receive a $1,956.35 Segal Education Award upon successful completion to apply toward higher education or federal student loans.

These are Quarter-Time positions, requiring a minimum of 450 hours over 13 weeks (approximately 38 hours per week). This is not a direct Polk County Conservation position. Members are not Polk County employees and are not eligible for employee benefits. Members serve with Polk County Conservation as a host site under Ameri Corps rules, benefits, and requirements. Site

Location:

Jester Park

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• Facilitate age-appropriate environmental education and outdoor programs for youth groups and childcare services on topics like conservation, ecology, and recreation.
• Each member is paired with a full-time naturalist for mentorship.
• Programs last about an hour and occur in Polk County parks.
• Maintain program data (attendance, topic, duration) in a shared Google doc.
• Develop and lead a 45-minute nature-based program for a Polk County summer camp, incorporating hands-on elements aligned with camp themes (e.g., birds, wildlife, fishing).
• Camps are grouped by age (6–16) and capped at 12 participants.
• Members are notified of assignments two weeks after starting to allow for training and prep.
• Engage visitors at Jester Park Nature Center by interpreting displays, trails, and amenities.
• Receive training in visitor engagement, animal care, and ambassador animal data collection.
• Participate in professional development and other approved Ameri Corps activities.

• Training
• $80/month cellphone stipend
• Housing
• Living Allowance
• Education award upon successful completion of service

• Program Type:
  Ameri Corps State / National
• Program: PCC: NATURALIST CREW MEMBER
• Program Start/End Date: 05/16/2026 - 08/22/2026
• Work Schedule:
  
  Full Time
• Education level:
  Some college
• Age Requirement:
  Minimum 17
• Program Locations: IOWA
• Accepting Applications:
  From 09/17/2025 To 04/28/2026

Marissa Merical

12130 NW 128th St, Granger IA 50109

pccamericorps